Trek Supercaliber 9.8 XT

The 2021 "Supercaliber 9.8 XT" model from Trek is a high-performance mountain bike designed specifically for challenging trails and races. Priced at 5,499 EUR, it features a wide range of high-quality components and innovative technologies.

The Supercaliber 9.8 XT’s frame is constructed from OCLV Mountain Carbon, both in the main frame and the seat stays, and features the IsoStrut suspension system, which provides 60 mm of travel. The tapered head tube and Knock Block provide additional stability and control, whilst the internal Control Freak cable routing ensures a clean look and protects the cables. The frame supports the Boost148 standard for a wider hub mount and thus greater stability.

The bike’s maximum load capacity is 136 kg, whilst it weighs just 10 kg, making it a lightweight yet robust companion.

The braking system consists of Shimano Deore XT M8100 hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear, fitted with Shimano RT76 brake discs, which feature a 6-hole mounting and diameters of 160 mm and 180 mm respectively. This guarantees reliable braking performance under a wide range of conditions.

The rear derailleur and shift levers are also from the Shimano XT M8100 series and offer a 12-speed drivetrain, enabling precise and smooth gear changes. The fork is a FOX Performance 32 Step-Cast with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damping, featuring two positions and a remote lockout, as well as 100 mm of travel.

The crankset is a Shimano XT M8100 with a 32-tooth aluminium chainring and a 52 mm Boost chainline. The crank arm length is 175 mm and the bottom bracket is a Shimano MT500, PressFit with a width of 92 mm. The cassette is a Shimano XT M8100, offering a range of 10–51 teeth in a 12-speed configuration.

The handlebars are Bontrager Kovee Pro made from OCLV carbon, with a width of 720 mm and a 5 mm rise, combined with ESI Chunky grips for optimum grip. The stem is also a Bontrager Kovee Pro, which is Knock Block and Blendr-compatible, with a length of 80 mm and a 13-degree angle.

The tyres are Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready with Inner Strength sidewall protection and an aramid bead core, in size 29 x 2.20. The wheelset consists of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon rims, which are also Tubeless Ready, with Boost 110 at the front and Boost 148 at the rear.

The saddle is a Bontrager Montrose Elite with titanium rails and a width of 138 mm, whilst the seatpost is a Bontrager Pro made from OCLV carbon, with a diameter of 31.6 mm and a length of 400 mm.

Overall, the Trek Supercaliber 9.8 XT offers a well-thought-out geometry with a head tube angle of 69 degrees, a seat tube angle of 71 degrees, a seat tube length of 51 mm and a top tube length of 66 mm. The reach is 48 mm, the stack 61 mm, the head tube length 10 mm, the chainstay length 43 mm, the standover height 79 mm and the wheelbase 117 mm.

With these specifications, the Supercaliber 9.8 XT is ideally suited to ambitious riders looking for a lightweight yet stable mountain bike that performs well on both technical trails and in races.